in the first place and in the first instance
in the first instance
First, before any subsequent actions. In the first instance, tell your boss you're sick and then call and make an appointment with your doctor.
See also: first, instance
in the first place
1. From the outset; in or at the very beginning. You should have said you were feeling ill in the first place! I wouldn't have given you such a hard time if I'd known. I never would have bought this car in the first place if I'd known there weren't airbags.
2. As the first of a given set of points (e.g., in an argument). Why am I quitting? Well, in the first place, I haven't been paid for overtime in nearly a year, and I just don't feel valued as an employee in general.
See also: first, place
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
in the first place and in the first instance
initially; to begin with. In the first place, you don't have enough money to buy one. In the second place, you don't need one. In the first instance, I don't have the time. In the second place, I'm not interested.
See also: and, first, instance, place
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- in the first instance
- for a start
- first blood
- first of all
- first off
- first off/up
- first up
- first in, best dressed
- be first out of the box
- first refusal